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Romagnoli the hero again for AC Milan

AC Milan and captain Alessio Romagnoli are beginning to make a habit of dramatic late winning goals in Serie A this season.

The latest, a 96th minute strike from the former Roma youngster, sealed a vital 1-0 win away at Udinese.

Gennaro Gauttso’s side have had to dig deep and show real resolve to pick up points in recent weeks, with three back to back wins moving them up into fourth place in Serie A.

They reacted to conceding a 90th minute winning goal from Mauro Icardi, in the Milanese derby, by benefiting from late goals themselves in recent weeks.

Romagnoli was the key man in two senses, as Milan clinched a 2-1 win against Genoa. Firstly he netted a unfortunate own goal, the visitors an equaliser, but he made amends in the 91st minute with a brilliantly instinctive volley, after goal keeper Ionut Radu’s clearance fell to him.

The strike against Udinese was even more impressive, finding himself playing as an additional attacker, after Gattuso ushered him forward in the closing stages.

He linked up with midfielder Suso, to slam home from 15 yards, a goal that was eventually confirmed by a VAR decision, in tense end to proceedings at the Stadio Fruili.

He was a regular for Milan last season, making 28 Serie A appearances, and he has already equalled his highest ever tally for league goals.

He has also started for Roberto Mancini’s new look Italy side, for the first time since 2016, and he has been earmarked as a future long term successor for Leonardo Bonucci with the national side.

Romanogli has also impressed at his ‘day job’, of defending, with flexibility as a lone central defender in a three man unit, or in a pair alongside, Mateo Musacchio in a back four.

Their new found ability to grind out results will be pleasing for Gattuso, who was visibly angry after their last minute capitulation against their city rivals last month.

However both he and his players will be looking to bring their consistency forward, into a run of games that are potentially make or break in deciding whether or not they have actually turned a corner.

After facing Real Betis in the Europa League, Gattuso’s side host Serie A leaders Juventus next weekend, followed by a trip to rivals Lazio – who are only below them on goal difference.

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